Drum support for combined washing and centrifugal drying machines



Feb. 17, 1948. E M, WxLSQN 2,436,343

NTHIFUGAL DRYING MACHINES DRUM SUPPORT FOR COMBINED WASHING AND U.

Filed D'fib 21 1944 4 Shee ts-Sheet l BY W A7ZZL HTTO NEYS E. M. WILSONFeb. 17, 1948.

DRUM SUPPORT FOR COMBINED WASHING AND CENTRIFUGAL DRYING MACHINES FiledDec. 21, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 17, 1948. WILSON 2,436,343

DRUM SUPPORT FOR COMBINED WASHING AND CENTRIFUGAL DRYING MACHINES FiledDec. 21, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 59 IT I III 46 Q 5 I i I /-43 40/ a 54 5g 00p 0 o o o o E n00 o o o o 0 500 O O O O O O 000 o o o 0 o one o o oo {o\ ooooooo oid| Z f H, ,n-rrm-r f 44 z :2! a I l i i 40 i *1 W ii iWW I g, l 59 E 1 Q J I I I I II II I I 17 II INVENTOR. [LLJWORTl/M MLJOAFeb. 17, 1948. E. M. WILSON 2,436,343 DRUM SUPPQRT FOR UOHBINED WASHINGAND CENTHIFUGAL DRYING MACHINES Filed DeG. 21, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN TOR.

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ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 17, 1948 DRUM SUPPORT AND mm! Ellsworth M.Wilson. Bontbport. Coma, to Remington Arms Company. Inc..

FOR COMBINED WASHING GAL DRYING MACHINES assigmor Brid port. Conn acorporation of Delaware Application December 21, 19. Serial No. 589,16810 Claim. (CI. 68-25) This invention relates to washing machines, andparticularly, to the type suitable ior home or domestic use.

In the home type of machine, a receptacle for containing washing waterand a basket or drum for holding the clothes are usually provided. The

The clothes are usually located in the drum in such a manner as to be0!! center so that considerable vibration is set up in the machineduring the wringing or centrifuging operation, and some of this may betransmitted through the easing into the floor or surrounding building.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a mounting for thedrum to provide for a gyratory motion during the wringing operation andto support the drum rigidly during the washing operation.

As will be explained hereafter. it also is desirable to lift the clothesout of the wash water tub during the wringing operation. These and otherobjects of the invention will become apparent from the drawings anddescription which are merely exemplary of the invention.

Fig. i is a perspective view of one form of the invention, the casingand tub not being shown.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic sectional side view of the apparatus of Fig. lwith a casing and tub indicated, the drum in this figure being shown inan upright or wringing position.

Fig. 3 is generally similar to Fig. 2, with the exception that the drumand support are shown in a washing position.

Fig. 4 shows a vertical view partly in section or a modification of theinvention, the basket being shown in full lines in the wringing positionand in dotted lines in the washing position.

Fig. 5 is a view of the lower guide supp rt taken in the direction 8-!of Figs. 4 and '1.

Fig. 6 is a top view of Fig. 4 taken along the line 8-6 of P 8. 4.

Fig. is.a fragmentary vertical view of a, modificatlon of the deviceshown in Fig. 4, there being an adjustable element for the shaft guidesupport.

Fig. 8 shows a device similar to Fig. 4, wherein the axis of the hingeis at a diilerent angle than to pivot about that shown in Fig. i. thedrum in Fig. 8 being shown in its horizontal washing position.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view of a modification of the bracket of Fig. 4.showing adjustable ele ments ior both the bracket and the hinge shaftguide support.

Fig. 10 is a. fragmentary vertical view of a modification of thesupporting means for the shiftable shalt guide support the drum being inits wringing position.

Fig. 11 is similar to Fig. 10 with the drum in a washing position.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary vertical view of a modification of thesupporting means showing the pivot at a dlflerent angle than Fig. 4.

A frame (Fig. 1) may carry pivot bearings ii for plvotally mounting theshaft guide support or frame ll. Perforated washing drum or basket I:with a closed bottom is mounted on rotatable drum shaft II. The drum mabe supported irorn shaft 22 by spider arm 86, or in any desired manner.c-shaped frame 24, having a top crossbar IO and legs II, it, has a.universal or flexible shaft bearing guide It for carrying the upper endof drum shaft it. Crossbar I! may have a keyhole-shaped aperture 21 orequivalent guide, spaced from the universal shaft bearing 25. Saidkeyhole-shaped aperture has a restricted portion 2! and an enlargedportion 29. There may be mounted on frame It a suitable motor drive Ithaving a pulley II. drive belt 32, and drum shaft pulley a. The supportof Fig. 1 may be placed in a container 84 (Fig. 2) having a suitable tubor water containing portion 35.

u The water may be fed to the tub automatically or by any suitablemeans, such as is well known in the art.

A hydraulic cylinder ll of any suitable type having a piston rod OI maybe provided for moving the support on pivots ll. Another form ofhydraulic cylinder is found in Figs. 2 and 3 at 30. A flexible connector31 may be provided for pivotaliy operating the frame 2|. The cylindermay be located along the vertical wall 38 of the container and theflexible connector carried around a suitable pulley II in any desiredmanner. It is apparent that other equivalent operating means can be usedfor pivoting the shaft guide support II.

In order-to wash clothes. they are placed in the drum 22 and the frame24 rotated to the inclined position shown in Fig. 8 so that clothes inthe drum 2! will pass into the water in the tub it. The shaft. when inthis position, will the universal bearing It and fall into inlet andoutlet the restricted portion 2| oi the keyhole-shaped aperture 21. andthus rigidly be held for the washing operation. Upon completion oi thewashing operation, the hydraulic cylinder 38 may be operated in anydesired manner to rotate frame I to the vertical position shown in Fig.2. When in this position, the basket can-be rotated for wringing orcentrifuging purposes. The motor 30, as is well understood in the art.may be oi a multiple speed or transmission type so that it may beoperated at a sufliciently high speed when in a vertical position towring the water properly out or the clothes. The control of the variousoperations of the motor, pivoting or the guide support, and supply andwithdrawal of thewater may be accomplished manually or may be doneautomatically in any conventional manner, as is well known in the art.In washing clothes. it has been found that if the water is withdrawnfrom the tub while the drum is still rotating therein that some or thedirt may be redeposited in the fabric. If the drum is moved out or thewater upon completion of the washing cycle, the water will drain fromthe clothes and much of the dirt otherwise deposited in the clothes willbe eliminated. V

In Fig. 4, a modification of thedrum support is shown wherein acontainer or casing ll may be provided and mounted on casters II. Awater container or tub 42 is carried in the container. pipes 13 and Nbeing provided. A door 3 can be placed in the container for access tothe rotatable drum ll. although it is apparent that this door may belocated in other parts or the casing. Drum shaft ll is'carried in theuniversal or flexible shalt bearing ll mounted in bracket ll of theshaft guide support ll. Spaced from the universal guide" is a second orlower guide I. This guide may be a keyhole-shaped aperture 80orequivalent'gulde having a restricted portion tlon 52 (Fig. 5). Theguide support I! is hinged at 58 to a bracket 54 carried by casing ll;The axis of hinge I3 is inclined relative to the shaft it. Mounted onthe shaft guide support II is the driving motor 55. which may have asuitable reduction gear box 88. Pulley i1. drive belt II. and shaftpulley 59 serve to drive drum through shaft 8. Motor I55 may have anydesirable speed control means for optionally driving the drum atwringing speed or at washing speed. In the position shown in Fig. 4. thedrum is in the wringing position and the drum shaft ll is locatedsubstantially centrally or the enlarged portion or the keyhole apertureso that the drum may have gyratory rotation about the universal bearingguide ll during the wringing operation.

During the washing cycle, the guide support I" is rotated about thehinge 88 to the position shown in dotted lines at iii. In this position,the drum shaft will fall into the restricted portion of the keyholeaperture and be held during the washing cycle. One method of shiftingthe shaft guide support 48 is by means of a gear Ii driven by a suitablecontrolmotor (not shown). This control motor can be connected to anautomatic control switch in such a manner as to rotate the drum from oneposition to the other at an at propriate time. The control motor mayalso be operated manually, if desired. It is apparent that other meansmay be employed to move support is about the hinge axis.

Fig. 6 shows a top view or the bf Fig. 4, the gear 6| being omittedtherefrom. The

3| and enlarged porshown wherein the O-shaped dotted lines I! in Fig. 6show the approximate lowered position 01 the drum.

The shaft guide support shown in the modification of Fig. 7 hasadjustment means whereby shalt guide support I! is fastened to hinge 64by means of wing nuts 85, hinge 64 having arouate elongated slots N toprovide for adjustment, the other parts being numbered identically toFig. 4.

In Fig. 81s seen a guide support hinge arrangement wherein hinge ll isplaced at a slightly diiierent angle than that or Fig. 4, so that theshaft 4! will be in a substantially horizontal position when the drum isin the washing position. The other details oi Fig. 8 bear identicalreference numerals as Fig. 4. It is to be noted that in Fig. 8 the shaftI is in the restricted portion of the keyhole aperture ll so that it isheld in the washing position. The belt 58 may be V- shaped so that itwill track properly when the shaft is slightly out of line with pulley51 because of movement of the shaft from the verti- .cal to therestricted portion oi the keyhole slot. In Fig. 8 the drive motor isarranged so that the belt tracks correctly when the drum is in thewashing position, and in Figs. 4 and 7 is it shown as tracking correctlywhen the drum is in the vertical or wringing position.

Fig. 9 shows an arrangement similar to Figs. 4 and B, with the exceptionthat the bracket attachment to casing II is shown adjustable. therebeing wing nuts II and arcuate slots 88 similar to those on the shaftguide support itself. The remainder of th parts of Fig. 9 are similar toFig. "I.

In Pills. l9 and ii. a modification or the means for shifting the shaftguide support of Fig. 1 is frame 15 may be provided with suitablerollers 18 and I1, said roll ers being guided in com slots ll and I0carried by the casing 8!. Boilers and cam slots may be provided on eachside of the support. The shiftableguide support ll may have a drivingmeans II and drum ti supported in a manner similar to the device oiFig. 1. The casing 82 may be provided with a water container 83 to holdthe wash water. Any convenient means may be used for moving the shaftguide support is from the wringing position or Fig. 10 to the washingposition oi Fig. 11.

In Fig. 12, the pivot I3 is shown arranged at an angle of less than 45degrees with the vertical, so that when the shiitable support is swungto a washing position, the drum shaft will be at an angle with thehorizontal. The other details shown in this iigure are the same as Fig.4 and are given identical reference numerals.

The control means for the various parts 01 the cycle are not shown ordescribed in detail in this application inasmuch as they do not formpart or the invention. It is apparent that any suitable control deviceor, sequence operator may be used to control the supply and withdrawalor water from the washing tub, movement of the shiftable short guidesupport. speed of the motor. etc., in the order desired.

What is claimed is:

1. In a machine of the character described, a drum; a rotatable drumshalt; a pivoted shaft guide support, said support being plvotable tomove said drum from a substantially vertical wringing position to aninclined washing position: a flexible Joint shaft guide carried by saidguide support tor guiding one portion of said shaft; and a second shaltguide carried by said wide support. sa d second guide having formedtherein an aperture with a restricted portion for supporting the shaftwhen the drum is in an inclined position and an enlarged portioncommunicating with said restricted portion for allowing gyratoryrotation of the shaft when the drum is in a substantially verticalposition, said restricted portion being. below said enlarged portionwhen the drum is in an inclined position.

2. In a machine of the character described, a drum; a rotatable drumshaft; a pivoted shaft guide support, said support being pivotable tomove said drum from a substantially vertical wringing position to aninclined washing position; a flexible joint shaft guide carried by saidguide support for guiding one portion of said shaft; and a second shaftguide carried by said guide support, said second guide having formedtherein a keyhole-shaped aperture, the restricted portion of saidkeyhole aperture supporting the shaft when the drum is in an inclinedposition and the circular portion of the keyhole aperture allowinggyratory rotation of the shaft when the drum is in a substantiallyvertical position, said restricted portion being below said circularportion when the drum is in an inclined position.

3. In a machine of the character described, a drum: a rotatable drumshaft; a c-shaped pivoted shaft guide support having two legs and a topcrossbar, said support being pivotable to move said drum from asubstantially vertical wringing position to an inclined washingposition; a flexible Joint shaft bearing carried by the top crossbar ofsaid C-shaped guide support for guiding one portion of said shaft; and asecond shaft guide carried by a second crossbar located between the twolegs of said C-shaped shaft guide support and spaced from the flexiblejoint shaft guide, said second guide having formed therein an aperturecomprising a restricted portion for supporting the shaft when the drumis in an inclined position and an enlarged portion communicating withsaid restricted portion for allowing gyratory rotation of the shaft whenthe drum is in a substantially vertical position, said restrictedportion being below said enlarged portion when the drum is in aninclined position.

4. In a machine of the character described, a container having a watertub in the bottom thereof: a drum; a rotatable drum shaft; 9. pivotedshaft guide support having a top portion, said support being pivotableto move said drum from a substantially vertical wringing position to aninclined washing position; a flexible joint shaft guide carried by thetop portion of said pivoted shaft guide support for guiding one portionof said shaft; 9. second shaft guide spaced downwardly from saidflexible joint shaft guide, said second shaft guide being carried bysaid guide support, said second guide having formed therein an aperturewith a restricted portion for supporting the shaft when the drum is inan inclined position and an enlarged portion communicating with saidrestricted portion for allowing gyratory rotation of the shaft when thedrum. is in a substantially vertical position, said restricted portionbeing below said enlarged portion when the drum is in an inclinedposition; and pivoted means carried by said container for mounting saidshaft guide support, said pivoted means being located so that the drumwill pass through the water receptacle when the drum is moved to itsinclined washing position.

5. In a machine of the character described, a container having a watertub in the bottom thereof; a drum: is rotatable drum shaft; I. 6 shapedpivoted shaft guide support having two legs, a top crossbar, and asecond crossbar spaced from said top crossbar, said support beingpivotable to move said drum from a substantially vertical wringingposition to an inclined washing position; a. flexible joint shaftbearing carried by the top crossbar of said c-shaped guide support forguiding one portion of said shaft: 9. second shaft guide carried by saidsecond crossbar, said second guide having formed therein an aperturewith a restricted portion for supporting the shaft when the drum is inan inclined position and an enlarged portion communicating with saidrestricted portion for allowing gyratory rotation of the shaft when thedrum is in a substantlally vertical position, said restricted portionbeing below said enlarged portion when the drum is in an inclinedposition; and pivoted means carried by said container for mounting saidshaft guide support. said mvotcd means contacting the ends of the legsof said shaft guide support away from said crossbars and being locatedso that the drum will pass through the water receptacle when the drum ismoved to its inclined washing position.

8, In a machine of the character described. a drum; a rotatable drumshaft; 0. pivoted shaft guide support, said pivot being on an inclinedaxis relative to said drum shaft. said guide support being shiftable tomove said drum from a substantially vertical wringing position to aninclined washing position; a flexible joint shaft guide carried by saidguide support for guiding one portion of said shaft; and a second shaftguide carried by said guide support between said flexible joint shaftguide and the drum, said second guide having formed therein an aperturewith a restricted portion for supporting the shaft when the drum is inan inclined position and an enlarged portion communicating with saidrestricted portion for allowing gyratory rotation of the shaft when thedrum is in a substantially vertical position, said restricted portionbeing below said enlarged portion when the drum is in an inclinedposition.

"I. In a machine of the character described, a casing: a tub; a drum; arotatable drum shaft: a bracket carried by said casing; a shaft guidesupport hinged to said bracket, the axis of said hinge being inclinedrelative to said drum shaft. said guide support being shiftable to movesaid drum from a substantially vertical wringing position to an inclinedwashing position, the drum in the washing position passing into the tub;a flexible joint shaft guide carried by said guide support for guidingone portion of said shaft: and a. second shaft guide spaced from saidflexible joint shaft guide and carried by said guide support betweensaid flexible Joint shaft guide and the drum, said second guide havingformed therein an aperture with a restricted portion for supporting saidshaft when the drum is in an inclined position and an enlarged portioncommunicating with said restricted portion for allowing gyratoryrotation of said shaft when the drum is in a substantially verticalposition, said restricted portion being below said enlarged portion whenthe drum is in an inclined position.

8. In a machine of the character described, a casing: a tub; a drum; arotatable drum shaft; a bracket carried by said casing; a shaft guidesupport hinged to said bracket, the axis of said hinge being inclinedrelative to said drum shaft. said guide support being swingable aboutsaid hinge axis to move said drum from a substantially vertical wringingposition to an inclined washing position, the drum in the washingposition passing into said tub: a flexible joint shaft guide carried bysaid guide support for guiding one portion of said shaft; and a secondshaft guide spaced from said flexible ioint shaft guide and carried bysaid guide support between said flexible joint shaft guide and the drum,said second guide having formed therein a keyhole-shaped aperture, therestricted portion of said keyhole aperture supporting the shaft whenthe drum is in an inclined position and the enlarged portion of thekeyhole aperture allowing gyratory rotation of the shaft when the drumis in a substantially vertical position, said restricted portion beingbelow the enlarged portion when. the drum is in an inclined position.

9. In a machine of the character described, a casing; a drum; arotatable drum shaft; a shiftable shaft guide support. said supportbeing pivotable about a moving axis to move said drum from asubstantially vertical wringing position to an inclined washingposition; cam track guide means for carrying said guide support: aflexible joint shaft guide mounted on said guide support for guiding oneportion of said shaft; and a secand shaft guide carried by said guidesupport. said second suide having formed therein an aperture having arestricted portion for supporting the shaft when the drum is in aninclined position and an enlarged portion communicating with saidrestricted portion for guiding the shaft when the drum is in asubstantially vertical position, said restricted portion being below theenlarged portion when the drum is in an inclined position.

10. In a machine of the character described, a casing: a tub: a drum; arotatable drum shaft;

8 a bracket carried by said casing; a shaft guide pport hinged to saidbracket, the axis of said hinge being inclined relative to said drumshaft, said guide support being swingable about the axis of said hingeto move said drum from a substantially vertical wringing position to aninclined washing position, the drum in the washing position passing intothe tub; adjustable means on said bracket to adjust said shaft axis; aflexible shaft joint guide carried by said guide support for guiding oneportion of said shaft; and a second shaft guide spaced fromsaid-flexible joint guide and carried by said guide support between saidflexible joint shaft and the drum, said second guide having meansdefining a keyholeshaped aperture, the restricted portion of saidkeyhole aperture supporting the shaft when the drum is in an inclinedposition and the enlarged portion of the keyhole aperture allowinggyratory rotation of the shaft when the drum is in a substantiallyvertical position, said restricted portion being below the enlargedportion when the drum is in an inclined position.

ELI-SWOR'I'H M. WILSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 893,127 Gardner Feb. 11, 1902701,079 Peckham May 27, 1902 745,873 Mancha Dec, 11, 1903 1,477,443 HartDec. 11, 1929 1,564,659 Xardeli Dec. 8, 1925 1,709,774 Clarke Apr. 18,1929 1,747,620 Clarke Feb. 18, 1930 1,842,154 Dunham Jan. 19, 1932

